Tiny glands beneath the skin surface, the sebaceous glands, become clogged with sebum, an oily substance whose normal collection and excretion keeps the skin healthy. If clogged, bacteria can grow in the glands, which in turn causes swelling and pimples on the skin’s surface. This can occur anywhere on the epidermis including the face, back, and neck. Acne effects adults as well as teens, but is typically more common during times of high hormonal activity like adolescence.
There are a number of approaches to treating acne and the scarring it often leaves behind. There are a number of prescription medications to include antibiotics. These are not always risk or side effect free and must be carefully monitored by a healthcare provider. Diet is also a consideration in the controlling of acne and patients may benefit from Nutrition Counseling with specific advice about how to manage the condition. Of course, the first step in a treatment plan for acne is a thorough consultation with a health care provider, whose specialty is controlling such conditions of the skin. The provider will examine your skin, recommend the best type of therapy, which may include a combination of therapies, and work out a long-term plan for managing the condition.